ABC 17 News helps in the fight against Alzheimer’s
COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)
The battle against Alzheimer's starts at home, and the ABC 17 News team is helping support that work with the Walk to End Alzheimer's.
According to the Alzheimer's Association, the disease is a type of dementia that affects a person's memory, thinking and behavior. The dementia symptoms eventually grow to be severe enough that they interfere with an individual's everyday tasks.
The Alzheimer's Association reports the disease accounts for 60 to 80% of dementia cases.
Across the United States, the organization reports 6 million Americans are battling Alzheimer's disease. As of 2020, around 120,000 Missourians were diagnosed with Alzheimer's. The Alzheimer's Association predicts by 2025, that number will rise by 8.3% to 130,000 Missourians.
"The Alzheimer's Association leads the way to end Alzheimer's and other dementia by accelerating global research, driving risk reduction and early warning signs," said Columbia Alzheimer's Association Walk Manager Chris Cottle. "[They also] offer programs, care and support to those who are suffering or caregivers of those suffering with dementia or Alzheimer's."
The Alzheimer's Association reports in 2021, there were 194,000 caregivers in Missouri who worked an estimated 292 million unpaid hours. This in turn equates to around $4.868 billion dollars of unpaid wages, according to the Alzheimer's Association.
"Alzheimer's is such an isolating disease when a loved one is diagnosed," Cottle said. "Being able to either be on a video call or sit in a room with other people who are going through or have gone through exactly what you're going through ... there really is no price on that."
One major resource available to anyone is the 24/7 Helpline Service from the Alzheimer's Association -- available by calling 800-272-3900. The service offers confidential support and information to people who are living with dementia, caregivers, families and the public.
How you can help
The ABC 17 News team is joining in the fight against Alzheimer's. On Sunday, ABC 17 News will be walking to support the cause at the Jefferson City Walk to End Alzheimer's as the official media sponsor.
Click here to sign-up to walk or donate to the Jefferson City Walk to End Alzheimer's.
Stay tuned to ABC 17 News for continued coverage of Living with Alzheimer's leading up to the Jefferson City Walk to End Alzheimer's.
